The Tape Hack That'll Come In Handy When Using A Drill Around The House

Have you ever wondered how to drill a hole to the exact depth you need? Well, there's a hack for that. In fact, Bob Beacham, House Digest's expert carpenter and remodeler, says it's quick, easy, and that he uses it all the time. So, what's the secret? Tape.

Yes, you can use tape applied to your drill bit as a visual marker to let you know when you have drilled far enough. It's a pretty simple concept, really, but Beacham has a pro tip exclusively for House Digest readers. "I usually use painter's tape or masking tape. Painter's tape is best because it leaves very little residue. Having said that, whatever you've got will do. I've used sellotape in a pinch," he says. If you use duct tape, you may find yourself with a lot of residue left on your drill bit. It's only a problem if it bothers you, and a bit of WD-40 will help you eliminate the duct tape residue. (Here are some other duct tape hacks for you to try if you really want to put that roll to use.) 

First, you'll need tape that's ¾ to an inch wide. According to Beacham, it's the ideal width because it's easy to both handle and see on the drill bit. That said, any other tape size should be fine if it's all you have.

The process itself goes like this. "Tear off a strip a couple of inches long, and lightly touch one end onto the edge of a bench or table so it's handy. Hold your screw or wall anchor up against the drill bit (doesn't matter if it's loose in your hand or in the drill chuck) and see how far up the drill bit it goes," Beacham told House Digest exclusively. "Wrap the tape around at this point so the length of drill bit that's clear of the tape is the depth of the hole you need. This description sounds more complicated than it is in practice!" Essentially, as long as you stop drilling when you hit the tape, you'll ensure that the hole you've created has the correct depth. To make your projects go smoothly, check out this drill bit sizing hack, too.

Every hack has its pros and cons, and this one is no different. On the pro side, Beacham says accessibility is key. Most households have tape of some sort, and the hack itself is incredibly simple. Additionally, he says, "The hack can be used for standard and masonry drill bits, drilling tile, concrete, wood, plastic, etc." In other words, it works for pretty much anything you need to drill.

Still, there are some things to consider. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Beacham says, "If you push too hard with the drill, the tape might just tear off or crumple up when it comes in contact with the object being drilled. Then your hole could end up too deep." That means you have to observe the marker carefully as you drill and stop as soon as the tape contacts the surface. Alternatively, Beacham says you can use a metal collar that fits around a drill bit and helps you set the depth.